Defender is a descriptor used at several different points throughout the Bible to describe God. He is there for the weak, the vulnerable, the oppressed — for His people — as the ultimate refuge, as a shelter, as shield, as protector. During these difficult times, when the world is struggling with fear from the coronavirus and its tremendous impact, perhaps more than ever, we need to remember and call upon God to be our Defender. In today's From the Touchline episode, special guest and friend, Jared Watts joins me to share some different defensive points of view for the beautiful game and to help illustrate ways that God is our Defender. Jared shares memories from his own story and journey

One of my favorite days and favorite historical persons is Saint Patrick and his feast day is March 17. I feel that I connect with Patrick on many levels — from the way he lived life, to some of the ways that he, by faith, came to understand and know and believe in God. My Scot-Irish background also plays a big part of of why I have enjoyed studying and reading Patrick a bit more closely — whether his legacy or his legend. In today's From the Touchline episode, I look at a couple stories from Patrick's life and share one or two of my own. At the close, is a reading of the Breastplate of Saint Patrick, also known

The Coronavirus is making headlines locally and around the world. The virus is having an even greater impact on economies and supply chains and is even effecting the beautiful game in a negative way. The virus is certainly on the radar as football (soccer) governing bodies are discussing suspending league play in certain countries to avert a greater crisis. And talk of suspending the Olympic games and more show how the virus is impacting even the sports that many love. In today's From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad looks at what the Bible says about a Christian believers response during times like these. Building off of descriptions of the events of the last days found in the book of Revelation,

Defend Memphis, the motto of United Soccer League - Championship team, Memphis 901 FC, has an interesting history behind it. That motto not only helps characterize the city of Memphis, it can give inspiration to others, as well. In today's From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad hosts special guest Rev Greg Aydt, chaplain for Memphis 901 FC. Rev Brad and Rev Greg talk about Greg's experience for the first year working with Memphis 901 FC, life in the USL- Championship, and how chaplains can offer support for athletes, coaches, and staff when they go through the ups and downs of the game. Resources referenced in today's podcast include: How Champions Think: In Sports and in Life, Dr. Bob Rotella From

Today marks the beginning of the season of Lent. For the next 40 days (excluding Sundays) Christians around the world will "practice Lent" in this time leading up to Easter. Perhaps Lent is a familiar space for you - one in which you have grown up in. Or, maybe, Ash Wednesday is that one day a year where you wonder why people are walking about with black marks on their foreheads? Wherever you are in your experience, knowledge or understanding of Lent and its practice — there is an invitation to draw closer to God and to examine one's faith and spiritual practice in an intentional way, during this season. In today's From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad briefly shares